We all know that a platform without many apps isn't very attractive. As far as mobile computing platforms are concerned, Android is somewhat uniquely positioned when it comes to apps. Most platforms require their apps to be compiled for the particular processor tucked neatly inside the device. This has some significant advantages, not the least of which is speed. Programs that are written and compiled for one particular architecture are generally much faster, more responsive, and a lot less "laggy" than devices that go through a middle-tier -- like Android does. Google's working on that ...

A huge advantage that devices powered by the Android operating system have over virtually every other OS is the use of a virtual machine in which apps run. Yes, virtual machines, but we'll get to those in just a moment. What makes all this relevant now is the decision by Google to include a new runtime in Android 4.4 KitKat -- one that promises to make your device faster, your battery last longer, and give you thicker, more manageable hair. Wait, not that last one. Before we jump into this brand new VM, and why it's turned off by default, let's make sure everyone understands what we're ...